Virgil van Dijk set for ACL surgery, likely to be RULED OUT for 2020-21 season

Jordan Pickford's reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk may have effectively ruled Dutchman out for rest of 2020-21 season. During Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton, Liverpool defender was forced to leave pitch in fifth minute after being brought down by Pickford in box - a challenge which was t penalised by referee Michael Oliver r by VAR. 

While Virgil van Dijk left pitch on foot, his injury was later reported to be much severe than initially anticipated. On Sunday, Liverpool finally provided an update over his injury status, ting defender is set to undergo surgery on his right knee injury after damaging his ligaments during Saturday's Premier League fixture. 

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" centre-back damd knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park. Van Dijk was required to be substituted and furr assessment on injury has revealed an operation will be needed," club said in a statement issued on Sunday. 

Virgil van Dijk return timeline

According to reports, 29-year-old is facing months on sidelines, which could mean player will t return to action until next season. However, Liverpool are reluctant to rule out a Van Dijk return before end of current season. club is yet to reveal a detailed timeline for his rehab. club insists y will be able to gauge his recovery period only after he undergoes successful surgery to repair damd anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in his right knee.

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" specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this st. Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation programme with club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible," club added in release. 

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Virgil van Dijk's loss could potentially be a big blow to Jurgen Klopp's men, who have massively relied on colossal Dutchman to marshal ir defence. Van Dijk arrived at Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a mammoth £75 million. In his first season at Anfield, player helped club reach Champions League final, where Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real Madrid. Van Dijk was influential as Liverpool won UCL title following season before winning Premier League title this past season. 

This season, Van Dijk started all five Premier League games for defending champs, scoring once. Liverpool will be in action during midweek as y head to Ajax for ir 2020-21 Champions League opener. Reds will n host Sheffield United on Sunday, October 25.

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(Im Credits: Liverpool FC Official Website)